A server cabinet is one of the most overlooked components of data centre design – yet it houses the mission-critical information that your business depends on.

The right server cabinet will not only effectively power, cool and protect your hardware – it will decrease downtime and increase the efficiency of your server room too.

A server cabinet isn’t a server cabinet isn’t a server cabinet…

5 things to keep in mind when buying a server cabinet

Not all server cabinets are created equal, so we’re going to give you a few pointers to help you make the right choice when it comes to buying this vital piece of IT infrastructure.

1. Size of the server cabinet

Make sure your server cabinet is large enough to house your current equipment and any future hardware you may need. 19 inch racks are the industry standard and are large enough to house the components for almost any network infrastructure.

2. Security of the server cabinet

Buy a server cabinet with locking front and rear doors. If security is really an issue, then environmental monitoring software may be the answer. This software allows administrators to monitor amperage draw per circuit, water leaks, temperature and even alerts them if the server cabinet door is open.

3. Design of the server cabinet

You can set up your server cabinet to suit your needs with customisable shelving, top and side panels, mounting rails and feet.

4. Power supply to the server cabinet

Power Distribution Units (PDUs) for your server cabinet come in two varieties: standard or intelligent. Standard units provide basic information to the administrator on-site. Intelligent units allow administrators to perform a cold reboot and troubleshoot problems from any location via the internet. Even though they are more expensive than standard units, they make use of 3-phase power which uses significantly less electricity and will save you in the long run.

5. Cooling of the server cabinet

Choosing the right server cabinet will have a marked effect on data centre airflow. Fully perforated racks allow for maximum airflow in ambient air cooling environments(fans or Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units) and fully sealed racks are best if you’re using liquid cooling or rack air conditioners.

If you need a server cabinet, computer cabinet or cabinet accessories, simply contact us on +27 11 250 5496